If you want to know about the typical food of Paris because you’re traveling to France and eager to taste the best dishes, we’ll explain everything in this section. In reality, there isn’t just one iconic French dish—there are several, and we’ll give you our list so you can try everything you like and know exactly what to eat in Paris.
What to Eat in Paris: the 10 Best Traditional Dishes
Paris is the City of Light and offers a wealth of monuments to visit. However, this magical French city isn’t only known for its architectural wonders; it also stands out for its dishes. As you might expect from any great capital, Paris has its own distinct cuisine that sets it apart from other cities.
NOTE: If you’re traveling in Paris or planning a visit and want to explore French gastronomy in a unique and original way, here are a few truly interesting activities to consider:
- Two-hour Seine River cruise with lunch
- Entry to the Chocolate Museum
- Guided walking tour of Montmartre: cheese, wine, and pastries
- Croissant baking class with a French chef
1. Croissant
Who could resist a freshly baked croissant, one of the most typical foods in Paris? This flaky pastry is synonymous with a Parisian breakfast (though it’s enjoyed any time of day), and while it originally hails from Austria, the French perfected the recipe to make it a national icon. I can assure you, even if you’ve tried them in your own country, they’re even better in France.
The croissant is loved for its light, crispy texture and soft, fluffy interior. The secret lies in the technique of thinly laminating the dough with butter. Each layer, combined with its buttery flavor, makes it an irresistible, simple pleasure and the perfect way to start the day.
2. Escargots
Escargots, or snails cooked with parsley, butter, and garlic, are prepared in the Parisian style, making this “typical snail dish” something special thanks to its unique flavor. They are one of the typical dishes of Paris that every visitor should try at least once in their lifetime.
It might not be a dish everyone is eager to try initially, but escargots are a classic you shouldn’t miss—the French know how to transform snails into a gourmet delight.
They are usually served as an appetizer during special dinners or on notable occasions, and a special fork and tongs are used to hold the shell. It’s an art to remove the snail from its shell, but once you try it, it’s worth the effort.
3. Onion Soup (Soupe à l’Oignon)
Soupe à l’Oignon, or onion soup, started as a common dish for the poor due to its simple ingredients, but over time it has become one of the most popular dishes for Parisians.
It’s made with caramelized onions, meat broth, butter, and various gratin cheeses, which makes it completely different from any soup you might find in Spain or elsewhere in the world. It’s mainly enjoyed in winter, with diners breaking through the cheese layer to mix it into the hot soup.
The best part of this dish is the sweet flavors of the caramelized onions combined with the gratin cheese and broth.
4. Boeuf Bourguignon
What is the typical food of France? Without a doubt, boeuf bourguignon is one of the country’s most popular options.
Boeuf bourguignon is a slow-cooked beef stew prepared with red wine from the Burgundy region (although other wines can be used), along with carrots, onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
This dish is rich and hearty. Often, it’s served with potatoes to absorb the sauce, enhancing the flavor even more. Originally, it was prepared by farmers in Burgundy for special occasions, using ingredients readily available to them.
The red wine is used to marinate the meat, giving it a deep, complex flavor, while the long cooking time ensures the meat is extremely tender, practically melting in your mouth. If you enjoy stews, this dish will be a hit for you.
5. French Cheeses
Wondering what to eat in Paris? Cheese is one of the star items. French cheeses are served at most restaurants, often accompanied by a glass or bottle of wine, and have a rich tradition.
The most popular ones in Parisian cuisine are:
- Camembert: A cheese from Normandy, first made in the 18th century. It requires very little aging—just over two months—and is typically sold in small wooden boxes.
- Roquefort: Known for its intense flavor, it’s made from sheep’s milk and is a staple in French cuisine. It’s one of the most iconic cheeses in Europe, and especially in France.
- Comté: The best-selling cheese in France, though it’s not as widely exported as others. It matures for at least a year, acquiring a slight yellow hue. It’s made from cow’s milk.
- Brie: If cheese is among the most famous foods in Paris, Brie is the most widely known. It’s an ancient cheese, renowned worldwide and especially popular in French cuisine. Its soft, creamy flavor is beloved by the French.
6. Ratatouille
This is a vibrant, healthy, and popular dish, often enjoyed on its own or as a side with meat or fish. It’s made from a mix of vegetables (eggplants, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes) in olive oil and seasoned with Provençal herbs. Its flavor is remarkable; give it a try, and you’ll see.
The French typically eat it as a light lunch or a healthy dinner, but it’s available anytime, especially if you’re seeking a break from dining out. Fun fact: this dish gained global fame through the film “Ratatouille,” where it’s the prized recipe of Remy, the culinary rat.
7. Croque Monsieur
The croque monsieur is the ultimate lunchtime sandwich. Although its preparation is simple, it’s no less delicious. Essentially, it’s a ham and cheese sandwich topped with a layer of béchamel and melted cheese.
The combination of ham, cheese, and béchamel is irresistible when served hot, fresh out of the oven. It’s so creamy that the melted cheese can easily spill, so take care when eating it! For heartier appetites, the version topped with a fried egg is called croque madame.
8. Duck à l’orange (Canard à l’orange)
Duck à l’orange is a quintessential Parisian dish, easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. It’s an elegant, sophisticated dish, ideal for a special dinner when you don’t have much time, as it’s fairly easy to make.
The duck is slowly oven-roasted until juicy and served with an orange sauce, giving it a rich citrusy touch. It’s typically served sliced with orange sauce, alongside vegetables like carrots, lettuce, or sprouts.
We recommend that if you visit the “City of Light,” you give it a try. This is a traditional Parisian dish that’s truly delicious.
9. Raclette
If you’re wondering what to eat in Paris, I’d say that besides everything mentioned above, you must try one of my favorite dishes: raclette.
Raclette originated with shepherds in the French Alps. It’s made by melting cheese and scraping it over potatoes, cured meats, and pickles. Originally, shepherds carried raclette in their packs and melted it by the campfire. Today, it’s melted in a special machine and served over various accompaniments.
This is a highly social dish, perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially on cold winter nights when hot food is most enjoyable. Raclette can be served as a single portion or as small, shareable servings. If you’re a cheese lover, don’t miss out on this.
10. Macarons
Macarons are those small, world-famous French sweets. Their outer shell is made from egg whites, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and ground almonds, while the filling can be ganache, buttercream, or jam. My favorite is the ganache filling.
What I love most is their crunchy exterior, while the filling is creamy, delicious, and available in a wide range of flavors. These treats are typically enjoyed in one bite and are often eaten by the French as a snack or dessert.
Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite French desserts, and I always take some back to Spain as a souvenir. They’re a wonderful treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
11. Crepes
Crêpes are thin and soft, made from a batter of flour, milk, and eggs, so if you enjoy these ingredients, you’ll love them. They can be either sweet or savory.
They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of day, serving as breakfast, dessert, or even a full meal, depending on the filling (ranging from Nutella and fruit to ham and cheese). Sweet crêpes are highly recommended for breakfast or dessert, while savory ones are often enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
12. Coq au vin
Coq au vin is a chicken stew in wine, made with vegetables (mushrooms, onions, carrots, and bacon) and spices for an incredible flavor. It’s typically served for dinner, hot, alongside mashed potatoes or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
In Parisian cuisine, this dish has a special place due to its history and flavor. If you’re a fan of chicken, this is certainly one of the best dishes you’ll ever taste.
13. Quenelle
Quenelle is a pasta dish with dough balls made of flour, milk, eggs, along with poultry or fish, and it can be served with either tomato sauce or béchamel. The best part of this dish is its light texture and how the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
It’s truly delicious, and pasta lovers will notice its distinct taste, which sets it apart from other pasta dishes. Lyon quenelles are especially famous and are often enjoyed during lunch or for special dinners.
14. Quiche Lorraine
This savory tart is a classic French dish, made with a crust and filled with cream, eggs, cheese, and bacon. It’s great served hot but can also be enjoyed cold the next day. It’s commonly sliced and served with a green salad.
15. Moules frites
We continue with one of the most famous dishes in French cuisine, especially popular in southern regions (though it actually originated in Belgium). Moules frites are mussels cooked in white wine, onion, garlic, and herbs, served with a side of fries.
One of the best things about this dish is that it’s typically enjoyed informally, shared among friends, eaten with your hands, and perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of juicy mussels with crispy fries is spectacular.
If you’re exploring French cuisine for the first time, keep in mind that these dishes often have variations depending on the region. For example, Coq au vin might include different wines, and macarons offer endless flavors in Parisian bakeries.
16. Foie gras
Foie gras is one of France’s most exported delicacies, enjoyed worldwide. This dish is essentially a pâté made from duck or goose liver, often served with toast or brioche. It has an incredible flavor, especially when paired with a touch of jam.
Although foie gras dates back to ancient Egypt, the French have perfected it over time. It’s typically served in small portions on toast and pairs wonderfully with a sweet wine. While you can enjoy it any time, it’s especially popular during holiday celebrations like Christmas.
17. Vichyssoise
Vichyssoise is a chilled soup made from leeks, onion, potatoes, cream, and chicken broth, making it a refreshing choice. Notably, it’s smooth and creamy, and I recommend enjoying it as a starter for lunch or dinner.
Typically served cold, it’s often garnished with chopped chives and a drizzle of cream, making it an ideal dish for the warmer months, especially summer.
18. Crème brûlée
What do Parisians eat for dessert? One of their top choices is crème brûlée, a dessert made from cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla, with a caramelized sugar topping. The best part of this dessert is the contrast between the creamy custard and the crispy caramel layer.
Traditionally, you eat it by cracking the caramel layer with a spoon, allowing you to mix all the textures in one bite. It’s a must-try dessert at any restaurant in Paris.
19. Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is a classic fish and seafood soup that originated in Marseille but has spread throughout France. It’s made with various types of fish, shellfish, tomatoes, saffron, and herbs.
As you might imagine, it’s a dish rich in flavors from the sea, originating from fishermen’s simple meals using less marketable fish.
It’s typically enjoyed in two parts: first, the broth with bread and rouille sauce, followed by the fish and seafood. Bouillabaisse is a quintessential French dish often reserved for special dinners during the colder months.
20. Pot-au-feu
Finally, we bring you pot-au-feu, a perfect choice for meat lovers. This dish is a slow-cooked beef stew with vegetables like carrots, leeks, turnips, and potatoes. It’s one of the most comforting, home-style dishes on this list, bringing to mind traditional family cooking.
Pot-au-feu is a cornerstone of French cuisine and a popular family dish. It’s usually served in stages: first the broth, followed by the meat and vegetables, similar to a hearty stew.
Along with these recommendations, there are other delightful Parisian desserts that, while perhaps less well-known, are equally worth trying. Here’s a list for you to explore:
- Tarte Tatin
- Éclair
- Mille-feuille
- Profiteroles
- Clafoutis
- Chocolate mousse
- Paris-Brest
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